By Jennifer Slaughter
Summer is just around the corner, and warmer temperatures
begin to conjure up images of backyard barbeques and poolside parties? perhaps
even a picnic in the park? Whatever the scene, consumers are looking for the
perfect serveware and drinkware to complement their casual summertime
gatherings and parties. No occasion is too big or too small to move the party
outside, or bring that outdoor experience in. In fact, outdoor living is one of
the strongest lifestyle trends in recent years. With the economy influencing
decisions to dine and entertain at home, consumers are using their outdoor
spaces as prime extensions of their living space at home.
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Given this trend toward casual, outdoor dining, melamine and
acrylic entertaining products are emerging as hot items. They satisfy consumer
demand for both style and practicality. Gift industry brand C.R. Gibson is on
the leading edge of this trend, offering a mix of beautiful melamine dinnerware
and serving pieces as well as acrylic drinkware from such well-known brands as
Lolita, Dena and Susan Winget.
The question is, Are you taking advantage of this
marketplace trend in your store?
If not, now's the time. Recent market trends point to
exciting growth for melamine and acrylic products for summer and beyond. Here's
a look at a handful of different casual entertaining design trends that sizzle:
• bold
color and pattern
Melamine plates, bowls, trays and more are available in
eye-catching colors and patterns. Pantone’s color of the year, Tangerine Tango,
is front and center, and Moroccan inspired ikat patterns add sophistication and
impact to table settings as well as in-store merchandising.
• coastal
themes
Beach living, or dreaming of the relaxed beach lifestyle,
continues to be a top trend for entertaining. On melamine or acrylic, sea
shells sell by the sea shore and in every other climate!
• summer
scenes
Consumers are looking to infuse their own personal style
into their serving and drinkware pieces. Informal, theme-driven collections
centered on summer, incorporating flips flops, sunglasses and marine life,
easily transition to summer theme parties and gatherings with the girls.
Catch the casual, outdoor entertaining trend, and add some
summer fun to your bottom line! Shop the latest melamine collections and
coordinating acrylic drinkware from C.R. Gibson.
